Friday, April 22, 2011

YOUR GOOD FRIDAY DEVOTION!




REDEEMED...live for Him!


"... knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot."
1 Peter 1:18,19 (NKJV)

Read 1 Peter 1: 17-21 

Do you live with a heavenly perspective or an earthly point of view? Think for a moment. Be honest. Where is your focus: The world or the Lord? Hum, these are important questions. 

When reading the verses above, notice the word redeemed embedded in the heart of the message. Redeemed from what? Redeemed by whom and why?  Digging into these verses helps us grasp the meaning and purpose. 

The Strong's Concordance defines Redeemed in the Greek as "liberate by payment of ransom, to cause to be released to one's self by payment of a ransom, to deliver from evils of every kind: internal and external." Thinking through this last definition almost makes me leap out of my chair! To deliver from evils of every kind: internal and external... Jesus paid it all. He exchanged Himself for my ransom, our ransom. He rescued all, who trust in Him, from the pit. Jesus bridged the gap between us and God. Wow, humbleness flows!

In light of these definitions, how do we live a life that reflects God's grace and mercy? How do we base every decision, attitude and action on the fact that "Life is not about me, but all about Jesus, our Redeemer?" Below are three steps to stay in-tune with the Lord... 


First:  REnew...

The first part of 1 Peter 1:17 says, "And if you call on the Father..." Notice Peter uses the word if, which indicates a choice made by the one reading or hearing the message. Daily we need to renew our heart in the Lord. Make a choice to call upon Him everyday. Renew your strength in the Lord. Renew your mind in realizing Jesus redeemed you and paid the penalty for your sin. 

Second:  DEsire... 

1 Peter 1:17 says, "... live your life as strangers here in reverent fear." We mustdesire to live every moment knowing that Jesus took on the sins of the world. Understanding that we are responsible for each choice we make. God knows thedesire of our heart. God sees if it is for selfish gain or to further the Kingdom of God.

Third: EMpower...

Verse 21 Peter focuses our attention on, "Through Him (Jesus) believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God." Peter is telling us it's Jesus who gives us the strength to believe in God. We can't drum it up ourselves. Jesus empowers us to believe and trust fully in God. The minute we think we can do it ourselves, we miss the mark. 
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